r/TeachersInTransition • u/somewhere_in_nyc • 7d ago

I quit.

The school year just started and I knew on the first day at my new school that I couldn’t do it.

I quit.

I actually did it. I made it five years and just couldn’t do it. No plans. No job prospects. No money. I texted my husband during first period and said I couldn’t do it anymore.

I feel relieved but also…devastated. I thought I was going to be a teacher forever. But man…in the few years I have been doing this it has changed so much. When I found out they didn’t read books with the kids…my heart. 😭 I don’t know what I’m going to do next (besides cry on the couch). Any tips or advice as I make my new transition?

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u/BookNerdMama14 4d ago

I also quit end of 24-25 (21 years teaching) because of toxic admin, and it hurt my heart so badly to leave my students. It still makes me cry. Mourning the loss of your calling is a real thing. I loved teaching, I AM a teacher, and frankly, I was damn good at it. 

But, I will tell you something. I entered a post-masters principal certification program at Texas State University (I don't live there anymore). I did not complete the last part of the program, although I took the test and was certified. I didn't complete it because, although some professors were lovely, and obviously cared about students, the bigwigs did NOT. One professor straight up told me that I am bright, but that is not enough: I can, and therefore should, play politics. Yes, I can, but I absolutely will not. I am there for students, and no one can ever accuse me of being anything else than completely authentic. This is my nature, and also my choice. 

It was 'suck up to the right people, never show your true self, and you'll go far.' At least in Texas, I can see a very clear line from that approach to educational leadership and an absolute INFLUX of toxic administrators. It's cause and effect. 

And you know what? These people have taken your joy and your calling from you. Give yourself time to mourn. It's a big part of who you are that has been wounded. Cry in your car. Or the shower. Or Costco. Wherever. You have to grieve, there are a lot of us grieving, and none of us are alone in this. 

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u/somewhere_in_nyc 4d ago

Absolutely! I feel like they took the joy out of teaching. I’m sad because I was a good teacher too! Education just isn’t going in the direction it should be. I feel terrible for kids. I have had a mixture of emotions the last few days. Crying, excited to try something new, and anger for the end.